Subjective Perceptions of Youth Housing Environment and Policy Implications : The Case of Cheonan

In the mid-2020s, South Korea has faced a deepening socio-economic national crisis as issues of low fertility and population decline have become closely linked to labor supply, productivity, and pension sustainability. A survey of young residents in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, revealed that the majority reside in rental housing, with high levels of interest in youth-related policies despite relatively low levels of detailed understanding. Accordingly, this study aims to identify the priority and relative importance of residential environment factors by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The analysis targeted young residents of Cheonan, staff members of the Cheonan Youth Center, and licensed real estate agents with academic backgrounds in real estate studies. The research model was constructed based on prior studies and brainstorming outcomes, and a structured survey was conducted for the AHP analysis. The results show that, among the main categories, “facility-related factors” had the highest importance, confirming that young people place significant emphasis on the physical conditions of their housing. At the sub-factor level, lighting and ventilation, as well as heating and cooling efficiency, were identified as the most critical elements. These findings suggest that youth housing policies must take into account multiple dimensions—including psychological stability, environmental comfort, and economic burden relief. In conclusion, future youth housing policies should be designed to reflect diverse needs and demands of the younger generation, thereby enhancing both housing stability and overall quality of life.